AP Photo

Under a sickle moon a large man with dreadlocks, a sparkling purple cloak and white moccasins climbed the stairs of the house that has become Mali's new nerve-center. He was a marabout - a West Africa holy man - summoned by the 40-year-old army captain everyone in Kati is now calling le President. The new power in Mali is Amadou Sanogo, a career soldier whose improbable coup d'etat has upturned one of Africa's strongest democracies. On Monday night he sought strength from the spirit world. He needs whatever help he can get.